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FYI! Governor McDonnell to give Republican response immediately after the President's State of the Union at 9PM tonite.

The people of Haiti need our help.

To help with the American Red Cross' relief efforts in Haiti, please text "haiti" to 90999. The Red Cross will get $10. You'll get billed for it from your cell carrier.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Many blessings to you and yours this holiday season and a happy new year!

THANK YOU ALL

Thank you all.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for your overwhelming vote, support, and encouragement.

In this type of business one has to be prepared for either outcome on the day of election. But despite that, I was truly disappointed by the results. We were so close.

Our winning strategy did not materialize and I take full responsibility for the results. Over the last few days, I had the opportunity to think about what we should have done different. But the path to victory in this district was a difficult one from the beginning and the outcome proved it so.

Indeed, I have lived the American dream and will never forget the honor I felt to be on the ballot with the winning statewide ticket led by Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell.

But this campaign was never about me.

This campaign was about you and your voice. And we were 7,616 strong that day. It is clear that the end of your story is yet to be written.

You want and deserve real results to the everyday problems. Our leaders need to bring economic development, create new jobs, and fix the ailing transportation system. They need to protect and reform the school system so that children get the best education possible. And they must protect and improve our special quality of life.

On Election Day, the majority of you elected your next Delegate, Mr. Luke Torian, and I respect your decision. Now, I will join you all to wish him well in the General Assemby.
By the same token, in the coming days I will also join you all to remind him what he said he would do for us during his campaign for delegate.

Lastly, I’m forever grateful to Robert Hartwell, Nancy Pratt, Jane Beyer, my staff, and to the many exceptional volunteers who poured their hearts out, day in and day out, on my behalf
I’m deeply grateful to Cinthia, my children, my brother and sister, and my parents for their unwavering support and sacrifice.

I was honored to count on the support of so many local, state, and congressional dignitaries including Tom Davis, Rob Wittman, Bill Howell, George Allen and Rudy Giuliani.
To my new friends I made along the way. You have given me so much and like a true public servant, I will be there when called upon. Most importantly, I will be there every step of the way to help our party and our cause.

Rafael Lopez
Former 2009 Republican Candidate for DelegateVirginia General Assembly-District 52

THANK YOU.

We have so many great victories to celebrate, especially those of Marshall, Lingamfelter, Miller, and Anderson in Prince William County. We came so close to winning this, but it didn’t happen this time. I called Mr. Torian to concede and wish him well. I have so many people to thank, too many to name in this statement. But I would like to thank Rob Hartwell and Nancy Pratt, as well as Supervisors May and Nohe and Chair Stewart for their support. And also thank the party leadership including Speaker Howell. And specially thank my wife and family. Thank you all who thought I was worthy of your vote. We will all soon be back at it again. Thank you.

Campaign Statement on First Debate!

Mr. Lopez is glad that voters had the opportunity to hear from both candidates for delegate of the 52nd district and he hopes that Pastor Torian will accept more debates including a televised debate.

While both candidates have a compelling personal story and agree on several issues, there are several fundamental issues that they disagree on. Unlike his opponent, Mr. Lopez repeated several times during the debate that his number one priority is to fix the economy. He outlined his full proposal to fix the economy which includes creating jobs through the exploration of oil and gas, bringing more corporate businesses, reforming government through a balanced budget and business friendly legislation, and ways to address the foreclosure problem. Mr. Lopez also said that their differences are more philosophical, for example on the role of government. Mr. Lopez believes that a limited government and personal responsibility are also quite necessary at this time and that we can’t expect the government to fix all of our problems.

Mr. Lopez, a former Dumfries Councilman, represents new leadership with new ideas and solutions for the district and has a track record of advocating for local economic development, keeping taxes low, and limiting the role of government.

Judge Sonia Sotomayor

I’m proud that a fellow Hispanic American Judge Sonia Sotomayor was confirmed by the US Senate to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Only in America can such an inspirational story be true. She grew up in challenging life circumstances and truly comes from modest roots. However, with hard work and dedication she persevered and overcame many challenges.

She has extensive experience, great work ethic, and a track record as evidenced by a long career and appointments by both Former Presidents Clinton and Bush.

It is my hope that she will not let any bias affect her decisions and during her confirmation hearing she said she would not let them as evidenced by her extensive record of decisions.